Bowdon Prep

[mother1234567]

Hello,

just wondering if anyone has any information they'd like to impart regarding Bowdon prep. I believe its quite academic, but I was wondering more about they pastoral side of the school. I know its increased in size recently , has this affected the individual attention that the girls may get?

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[MarthasHarbour]

This may not be much help as i dont know the prep school, but i do know that Bowdon C of E and Bollin Primary have excellent academic reputations, the majority of the pupils end up in the local Grammar schools and they are both OFSTED outstanding.

Just thought i would mention it in case you were looking at all options.

[Almostapril]

As per Martha - everyone I know opted for Bowden CE, Bollin or Stamford Park.

[MarthasHarbour]

You cant go wrong round here, even the OFSTED rated Good schools are excellent (i know - DS goes to a 'good' school and i wouldnt move him)

[Dylieisla2]

Hi,
We are looking at bowdon prep, does anyone know why you don't get the early years funding there? I thought all three year olds got the 15 hours free?
Thanks

[Dylieisla2]

Hi,

We are looking at bowdon prep, does anyone know why you don't get early years funding (15 hours free a week) there?

Thanks

[ThursdaysChild100]

Sorry to bump an older thread (I dont know of it's the done thing).
We're moving to the Trafford area for work (have no prior knowledge of the area) but DH friend recommended Bowdon Prep for our DD.
Have any other mumsnetters had experience of this school? I guess, the dream is for DD to get into Altrincham grammar.
Any info would be greatly appreciated

[starfish8]

Why look at private when all the local state primaries are so fantastic? If there is space, there are some brilliant options in that area.

I wrestled with the whole private primary a while back and was given a great piece of advice. We're going state and now 'saving' our money for private secondary if he doesn't get into a Trafford grammar school. Rather than paying the whole way through the system.

I personally think if he's bright and has a tutor for a year or two, that's enough to help support him to get in. If he needs tutoring to an inch of his life the whole way through primary, he shouldn't be going to a school like that. My husband and I both went to grammar, so although thats 'the dream' for us too, we can't make it happen.

[Kate223344]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Disallusioned.

Sorry to jump on the thread, but if BPS is as bad as it sounds from that description, can anyone shed any light on possible alternatives such as Hale Prep?

I will of course investigate BHP further a d visit too before discounting it.

[Kate223344]

I mean BPS not BHP!

[disillusionedmother1]

Hi. I hear that Mr Connor at Hale Prep is great! Quite a few people have left BPS for there and not looked back. Apparently he cheers the kids over the finish line at Cross Country each weekend and really knows each child and harnesses that. I would definitely go and have a look, uniform not easy on the eye though!!!

[JimmyGrimble]

disillusionedmother1
Your post is potentially libellous. I have no knowledge of the school and am not doubting the veracity of your claims but if I were Mrs Gee I would be looking for redress. You have used the complaints procedure and made the school aware of your concerns right?

[Monkeymonstermum]

Disillusioned I’ve also heard that some find the head at Hale Prep a rather ‘interesting’ character..... personally don’t get why you’d pay for somewhere with so few facilities. Also, it’s tiny so I think there are some issues with transition to secondary.
@Kate223344 Personally, as starfish says I’d definitely look at the state options and if you’re set on private look at somewhere like Ladybarn that actually has decent facilities as well as being co-ed (unless you really want single sex - I definitely wouldn’t want that at infants though).

[Whyismyhousealwaysmessy]

My daughter just started BPS and generally have found it good, nice small numbers 16 in her class with a teaching assistant. It’s early days and she does say they do a lot of work but has come out happy. She said the children in her class are nice and the parents have been really lovely and trying to ensure she’s welcomed into her new school and asking me how she’s getting along.

Was disappointed with the extra curricular activities but was told the pick up further up in the years though I’m still not happy about it as was hoping to be able to drop some activities we take her to and they could be tagged on to her day after school.

I saw hale prep and honestly could not understand why people sent their children there, it’s tiny and pokey and has no grounds. I also the headteacher quite unnerving when I went and decided to steer well away.

[Yousef123]

@Monkeymonstermum I went to hale prep for three years and I can tell you mr Connor is the greatest headmaster ever. I would definitely recommend the school I now currently attend cheadle hulme school.

[Yousef123]

@disillusionedmother1
He does. he really does.

[Saikira]

We have joined our little one in their school we are unhappy with the support we get from teachers ... they complain all the time instead helping parents ... they are lacking proper resources .. they put pressure on children and parents ..